LENO TO INTRODUCE LEGISLATION LIMITING THE USE OF THE NAME “SAN FRANCISCO” BY SPORTS FRANCHISES LOCATED OUTSIDE THE CITY

SACRAMENTO —Assemblyman Mark Leno (D-San Francisco) announced today that he is looking into introducing state legislation that would prohibit a professional sports franchise that is not headquartered or does not play its games in the City & County of San Francisco from using the name “San Francisco” in its name, unless the Board of Supervisors and Mayor specifically authorize it to do so.

“The name San Francisco has cachet all over the world as a number one destination spot,” stated Assemblyman Mark Leno, who represents the eastern portion of San Francisco in the State Assembly, including the area where Monster Park is currently located. “I don’t think San
Francisco’s name should automatically be able to be used by a franchise that is not located in
the City,” he said.

The idea comes in the wake of the San Francisco 49ers owners’ surprise decision to break off
talks about the construction of a new stadium in San Francisco, which also potentially imperils
the City’s bid to host the Summer Olympics in 2016. After further research, the bill would be
introduced in the next legislative session, which begins in December.